Gobsmacked Antiques Roadshow guest refuses to sell ‘unique’ plates despite hefty valuation

AN Antiques Roadshow expert was left utterly astounded when a guest refused to auction off her high-valued plates.

The shocked guest left Serhat Ahmet and the audience astonished when she refused to sell her 1896 antique plates, with one plate valued to be worth £8000 at auction.

During a recent episode of BBC's Antiques Roadshow, the guest was also told the value of the other plates, which left her gobsmacked.

Sherat estimated that two of the other plates would be auctioned off for £5,000 even though he valued them at only £100 and £300.

While sharing the history of the plates, the expert told the guest: "There are three generations of the Reid family here, a family of potters and artists.

"This is a really good depiction of how the stars of pottery and porcelain changed from about 1820 to about 1925. Tell me how they've come to you."

The guest replied: "So Charlotte Reid's uncle was my great grandfather. So these bits have all been passed down to the family."

Sherat continued "And on the far side here nearest to you, is a plate that was decorated by George Wallace Croft Reid.

"And he started the interest the family had in the potteries and then when he had his children, they became involved.

"Frederick Alfred Reid is the person that took inspiration from this plate. This isn't actually his plate. I'm not sure if you're aware?"

"I wasn't sure," admitted the guest.

The Antiques Roadshow star then continued to discuss the history of the phenomenal plates 

He added: "So the plate on your side there with the fish by George Wallace Croft, £100 at auction."

"Ok," the guest replied as the expert valued another plate at £300.

"So then we come on to the Frederick Perton plates, the pair. They're unique and to think that he did these when he was just 16 years old in 1896.

"And I've seen the two together in the catalogues, they look wonderful and just scream out arts and craft. 

Unique, one of a pair, the only pair. If they were to come up at auction, I'd have to pay £5,000 for the pair."

The guest and background audience gasped as the woman replied "Wow, I didn't expect that."

Sherat asked: “ So what are you going to do with the plates now”

 "I am going to take them home and look after them." replied the confident guest while the audience laughed. 

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.